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The NWS currently issues 14 types of winter hazard forecasts including advisories, watches and warnings.

Testing has shown that some people are not able to distinguish the difference between what is a watch, warning or advisory.

The new system simplifies the language by replacing advisories and watches. It's being tested this winter in 26 weather offices across the country. Iowa is not included in the test.

A watch means the potential exists for a particular hazard, while an advisory means caution should be taken.

The new alert that replaces a watch statement would be "The National Weather Service forecasts the Potential for a Significant Winter Storm." Advisories will be replaced with "The National Weather Service Advises Caution for Snow."

Officials said the change being tested is designed to give more information and clarify the messages.

"If we can improve our messages, get the public to understand the hazards and most importantly, take action, we need to do so. Depending on feedback from this demonstration, we could replicate how information is disseminated for other weather hazards such as flooding," said Eli Jacks, chief of public weather at the National Weather Service and manager of this demonstration project.